A pediatric nurse examines a 7-year-old at a well-child visit. Based on Erikson's theory, which basic task does the nurse anticipate for this child?

Question

A.
Balance independence and self-sufficiency against uncertainty and misgiving.
B.
Develop a sense of confidence through mastery of different tasks.
C.
Develop resourcefulness to achieve and learn new things without self-reproach.
D.
Recognize there are people in his or her life who can be trusted to take care of basic needs.

Answer 1

ANS: B
In the trust vs. mistrust stage (birth to 1 year), the task is for the child to recognize that there are people in his or her life (parents) who can be trusted to take care of his or her basic needs. In the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage (1 to 3 years), the task is for the child to balance independence and self-sufficiency against the predictable sense of uncertainty and misgiving when placed in life's situations. In the initiative vs. guilt stage (3 to 6 years), the child's task is to develop resourcefulness to achieve and learn new things without receiving self-reproach. In the accomplishment/industry vs. inferiority stage (6 to 12 years), the child develops a sense of confidence through mastery of tasks.